In our country, Pakistan, students who pass 12th grade are often not even allowed to choose their careers freely. They usually select their career not based on their own interests, but due to pressure from parents or society. In other words, they cannot study according to their own wishes. Society tends to value only professions like medicine or engineering, and if a student chooses any other field, they are often labeled as “uncompetitive.”
This societal and parental pressure becomes so overwhelming that students frequently fall into depression and anxiety. They are unable to share their mental health struggles with anyone because society may perceive them as weak. As a result, with this deteriorating mental state, some students take extreme and dangerous steps, even attempting to end their lives. Unfortunately, many such cases have already occurred.
Some examples include:
- A third-year MBBS student at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (Sindh), Atif Arain, died by suicide in 2019. According to police investigations and reports, he was studying medicine mainly to please his family, despite having little interest in the field. His friends revealed that he actually wanted to become a cricketer or a chartered accountant, but continued medical studies due to family expectations and pressure.
- A 21-year-old D-Pharmacy student, Fatima, at the University of Lahore attempted suicide in January 2026 by jumping from the second floor of the university building, leaving her severely injured. Police reports indicated that she was under pressure from her family to continue her studies in pharmacy, despite having no personal interest in it.
These are just two cases, but there have been many more. The question is: who is responsible for such tragedies?
🔹 In 2025, a survey titled “Reason for Joining the Profession: Passion or Parental Pressure” was conducted among 174 first-year students at Nishtar Medical University. According to the results, 69.5% of students chose the medical field due to parental pressure rather than personal interest.
🔹 An editorial published in the Gomal Journal of Medical Sciences reported that 75% of students enter the medical field due to parental pressure instead of genuine interest.
If a student chooses a field under social or parental pressure and even manages to secure a job in it, they are unlikely to feel satisfied. They may work only for money, which can lead to a lifetime of depression and anxiety.
Now, it is crucial to eliminate this societal and parental pressure. Otherwise, many more students may suffer from mental illnesses or even lose their lives.
Message for Students
Students should not succumb to societal or parental pressure. They should choose their career based on their own interests.
Message for Parents
Parents must realize that if they do not allow their children to pursue education in fields of their interest, they may be responsible for their children’s mental health problems in the future. Guidance is important, but forcing decisions is harmful.
Message for Schools and Colleges
Educational institutions should provide career counseling and also pay attention to students’ mental health.
Message for Society
Society must abandon the mindset that only doctors or engineers are respectable professions. The world has evolved, and every field is valuable if pursued with passion and competence. Therefore, individuals should choose careers that align with their interests.
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